Use the following three step evaluation process to
select the appropriate compactor type and size, and
properly outfit it to the specific needs of the installation.
If you have any questions, need assistance with sizing/
selection, or are concerned about special processing
of difficult materials, please contact SP Industries to
discuss your requirements with our application and
engineering staff.

1: Evaluate a Compactor for
Cost-Effectiveness

The two primary areas of concern to consider when
selecting a compactor are the cost to haul the trash to
the landfill, and the cost of labor to handle it.

Utilizing a compactor packs more waste into a
compaction container which means fewer trips to the
landfill. Assuming the garbage hauler is charging per
pull — fewer pulls means fewer charges. Additionally,
landfill charges are either based on weight or volume.
If the fee is based on weight, compaction will not
reduce landfill charges, but if it's based on volume, then
compaction will reduce overall landfill costs.

In regard to labor savings: an appropriately designed
approach and access to the compactor can reduce
employee labor and time. Also, the labor spent
breaking down large bulky items and trying to fit more
material into the container are eliminated.

Bottom line: After evaluating these factors, if a
compactor can not save you money, then don't buy
one! If you're not sure, consult your supplier to survey
your facility. They can help make a recommendation
for the type of system you need and determine the
appropriate size system to service your capacity.

2: Maximize Compaction Ratio and
Container Weight Efficiency

Compaction ratios provide a good estimate of
compactor performance. For instance, consider the
amount of trash that typically fills a 30 cubic yard opentop
dumpster. Utilizing a 4:1 compactor, the equivalent
of 4 of these containers can now be contained in one
load, thus reducing hauling charges 75%.

SP Industries recommends evaluating the weight of
the trash material to be handled in conjunction with the
compaction ratio.

For example, a compactor with a 10:1 ratio may seem
more advantageous than a 4:1 machine. But, what if
the waste in the container weighs 5,000 lbs prior to
compaction? With a legal weight limit for hauling in the
18,000 to 20,000 lbs. range, a 4:1 compactor will fill
the container to absolute legal weight limit capacity.
Choosing a compaction ratio beyond 4:1 in this
application would be unnecessary and cost-ineffective.

Similarly, if the non-compacted waste weighs 2,000
lbs., a 4:1 ratio machine will only compact 8,000 lbs.
into the container, less than 1/2 the maximum load
limit. This will cost more money with the increased
number of pulls and hauling fees to the landfill. For
this application, a 10:1 ratio will fill the container to
maximum weight capacity and cost-efficiency.

Bottom line: Don't be fooled by a sales pitch
regarding phenomenal compaction ratios. Use the
maximum legal container weight as the goal to reach
when compacting. Then select the lowest compaction
ratio that reaches this goal considering the particular
mix of trash being generated at the facility. Skip the
hype, do the math.

When handling voluminous amounts of waste, several other
factors should also be considered to properly determine the
overall capacity and performance of the machine:

Duty Cycle: For installations requiring only one pull or
less per week, a commercial grade unit is sufficient. For
more frequent pulls, an industrial unit is required. For one
pull or more per day, a heavy duty industrial compactor is
recommended. (See selection chart below.)

Cycle Time: Compactor cycle time speed varies widely
between different size machines. As such, cycle time
plays a pivotal role in determining the actual volume of
material that a compactor will process. For example,
based on the specific waste flow rate of material from
a given facility, an 8 cubic yard compactor with a faster
cycle time can operate more efficiently in moving the
volume of waste than a large 13 cubic yard machine. (See
selection chart below and select model specifications.)

Cleartop Opening: The size of the compactor opening
must accept the size of the trash material being loaded,
and accommodate the loading method available at the
facility. (See selection chart below and select model
specifications.)

Loading Access: The cleartop opening should
be configured with the appropriate hopper, chute
and other loading features for maximum ease and
efficiency. (See "Structural Features" section for
recommendations.)

Control: Depending on the physical placement of the
compactor, a variety of remote operating and safety
controls should be considered. (Refer to the "Control
Features" section for recommendations.)

Power Unit: Particularly for high performance,
severe duty installations, enhanced functionality for
the hydraulics and power unit should be considered. (Refer to the "Power Unit Features" section for
recommendations.)